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The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) has concluded an investigation into Lancashire Constabulary’s response to check the welfare of a 64-year-old man.

A Customer Contact Advisor has received management action from the force after an IPCC investigator identified evidence that indicated there was a case to answer for misconduct.

Peter Mitchell was found in a poor state of health at his home in Accrington on 12 August, 2015. He was taken to the Royal Blackburn Hospital but died five days later.

The evidence obtained by the investigation found that Mr Mitchell’s sister, Ms Carole Mitchell, made calls to the force from 11 August. During the first call Ms Mitchell requested a welfare check for the brother, informing the Customer Contact Advisor (CCA) that she had not spoken to him in almost a month, he lived independently but had suffered a stroke in the past, and she had a disability which prevented her from visiting him. No officer was despatched. The CCA told Ms Mitchell to contact local hospitals. She did this but was told her brother was not in hospital.

The investigation considered that there was a case to answer for the CCA for misconduct for not following correct policy and procedures in recording the call, and the way the call was handled. 

A second call, on 12 August, saw Ms Mitchell make another request for officers to check on her brother. The call was transferred, and Ms Mitchell was put on hold for almost four minutes before she disconnected the call. Ms Mitchell then travelled to her brother’s home with her daughter where she found him in a poor state of health and contacted the ambulance service.

Independent Police Complaints Commissioner Carl Gumsley said: “Once again, I would like to extend my sympathies to Mr Mitchell’s family.

“There were real concerns for Mr Mitchell’s welfare; not least his recent ill-health and lack of contact with family members. Despite this, a police officer was not sent to check on Mr Mitchell’s welfare. I hope that lessons have been learned.”   

The final report can he found here.